John Hood: Why numbers matter in political debate
I promise I’m no math geek. So why do my columns about North Carolina politics and public policy so often feature rankings, economic data, or other statistics?
News and Opinion
Governor Cooper reminds North Carolinians to prepare for severe weather
Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed March 6-12 as Severe Weather Preparedness Week and is urging North Carolinians to prepare for severe weather that’s common during spring months.
More than $330 million in State directed grants disbursed to aid local community improvement projects
The Office of State Budget and Management (OSBM) distributed more than $330 million in directed grants to local governments and community organizations in the last 10 days. More than 170 entities across North Carolina received funds in this first round of grant disbursements.
State Supreme Court agrees to fast-track case against N.C. voter ID law
The N.C. Supreme Court has agreed to take up a lawsuit challenging North Carolina's voter ID law. The high court's decision removes the case from the state Court of Appeals and places it on a faster track for final resolution.
UNC System schools, private universities begin transition to mask-optional policies
Gov. Roy Cooper has recommended schools and local governments transition from mask mandates to a mask-optional policies, and counties and towns across North Carolina are heeding the governor.
North Carolina groups stepping up support those in war-torn Ukraine
Doctors, nurses, and other aid workers from North Carolina's Samaritan’s Purse are lifting off Friday morning from Greensboro headed to Poland to to deploy a field hospital. The humanitarian aid organization based in Boone has been helping in situations like Ukraine for more than 50 years.
Fort Bragg soldiers establishing safe havens for Americans fleeing Ukraine
As the war in Ukraine escalates, soldiers from the world’s largest military base, Fort Bragg near Fayetteville, are being sent to Europe, both as a deterrent to further Russian aggression and to help Americans fleeing the fighting.
Governor Cooper highlights Longleaf Commitment Community College Grants
Governor Roy Cooper held a roundtable at Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte to highlight the Longleaf Commitment community college grant program. Cooper met with education leaders and grant recipients to spotlight the program and raise awareness for current high school seniors who may be eligible to get a grant to attend community college debt-free.
OPINION: A look at the state of America
President Biden’s State of the Union Address represents much of America today, a meandering belief in big government that’s woefully short on economic coherence. Yet, the state of the union is pretty evident to most.
Legislators get opposition, support for U.S. Supreme Court redistricting plea
Each of the plaintiffs in North Carolina's legal dispute over election maps is asking the U.S. Supreme Court to stay out of the fight. So is the N.C. Justice Department.
Governor Cooper proclaims March as Women’s History Month
Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed March as Women’s History Month to honor the women who have shaped North Carolina’s history.
Governor Cooper proclaims March 2022 as Students@Work℠ month
Governor Roy Cooper has proclaimed March 2022 as Students@Work℠ Month in North Carolina. Throughout the month, employers will host virtual programs that will provide approximately 28,000 students with exposure to jobs and industries in their communities and across the state.